Aether suddenly realized why Jiang Bai was so quick to treat others like old friends—he and this funeral parlor director were practically cast from the same mold.
"So you're the director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? Jiang Bai mentioned you to me," Aether said awkwardly, gently freeing his hand from Hu Tao's eager grasp.
"Really? And what exactly did he say?" Hu Tao casually plopped down beside them, clearly expecting to hear some glowing praise about herself from her trusted subordinate.
A cold sweat trickled down Aether's temple.
Most people would understand this was just polite small talk. Why is she seriously pursuing it?
Jiang Bai shot him a desperate look, urging him to say something nice, but after a long pause, Aether couldn't come up with anything convincing.
Thankfully, Hu Tao didn't press the issue further, shifting her curious gaze onto Paimon instead.
"You're so tiny! How do you manage to float like that?"
Paimon scratched her head, unsure how to answer Hu Tao's curiosity. "I'm not really sure... I've just always been able to fly."
"Director, let me introduce them properly," Jiang Bai interjected quickly, steering Hu Tao away from her increasingly absurd line of questioning. "This is the Traveler, Aether—the Honorary Knight who helped save Mondstadt during the dragon crisis—and his companion, Paimon."
Hu Tao's eyes widened in surprise. "You're the famous Honorary Knight who saved Mondstadt?"
Aether waved his hands modestly. "I just helped out a little, not exactly saving the place."
Hu Tao cheerfully patted him on the shoulder. "You're way too humble. Look at our Jiang Bai—he went to Mondstadt and came back covered in bruises!"
Aether's embarrassment deepened. If Jiang Bai at least put up a decent struggle against Signora, then he had been knocked unconscious without even managing a single attack.
Desperate to avoid further embarrassment, he nudged Paimon and stood up abruptly.
"Well... we haven't had dinner yet, so we're going to go eat..."
But their escape attempt was promptly thwarted.
Hu Tao dramatically waved her hand. "It's not every day we get guests! Dinner's on this director tonight. Let's eat at Wanmin Restaurant!"
"Yay!" Paimon's eyes instantly lit up.
Guess there's no helping it, Aether thought resignedly.
As Jiang Bai threw an arm around Aether's shoulder, walking behind Hu Tao, he whispered threateningly, "Hey, Aether, you wouldn't want our director knowing that the Fatui knocked you out the moment you met them, right?"
Aether's mouth twitched. Actually, he wouldn't mind Hu Tao knowing.
"What exactly are you getting at?"
Jiang Bai lowered his voice further. "Our director can be a little... overly enthusiastic. If she ever tries grabbing your hand again, don't let her."
Aether gave Jiang Bai a strange look.
That's what he's worried about? Really?
Yet, under Jiang Bai's piercing gaze, he reluctantly nodded.
Hu Tao turned her head, noticing the two lagging behind. "Hey, you two, what's the holdup? Whispering secrets?"
Paimon stopped midair and also turned back, curious.
"Uh... Aether's shoelaces came undone, so I was just reminding him..."
Hu Tao glanced down at Aether's shoes, lips twitching. He clearly wasn't even wearing shoelaces. Couldn't Jiang Bai at least make up a better excuse?
Whatever, she didn't feel like pointing it out.
"Just don't fall behind!"
"Coming!"
Wanmin Restaurant was bustling at dinner hour, delicious aromas drifting from the kitchen. Paimon's mouth watered instantly, eager to dig in.
Today, Xiangling wasn't cooking; instead, she and Guoba were helping out front.
"Xiangling, got a free table? I'm treating some new friends today!" Hu Tao called cheerfully.
"Sure, right this way!" Xiangling guided them to an empty table, glancing curiously at the unfamiliar duo.
"And these two are…?"
"This is Traveler Aether, and this is Paimon," Hu Tao introduced warmly, turning back to the pair. "And this is Xiangling, a good friend of mine—her cooking is the best in all of Liyue!"
"Oh, stop teasing me already! Just order your food," Xiangling laughed bashfully, then addressed Aether and Paimon directly. "You two are new to Liyue, right? How about trying some of our local specialties?"
"Of course! When in Liyue, we must eat Liyue cuisine!" Paimon excitedly rubbed her hands together.
Xiangling noted down Hu Tao's orders and prepared to deliver them to the kitchen when Hu Tao called out, "Join us for dinner later!"
"I'm busy!"
"Then maybe next time!"
Hu Tao's dinners were usually casual and relaxed affairs, with conversation flowing easily as they ate.
Eventually, she asked Aether and Paimon about their purpose in Liyue.
Aether briefly explained he was searching for his lost sister.
"Oh, so that's why," Hu Tao nodded understandingly. "Does your sister look like you? If I see her, I'll let you know immediately."
"Thank you," Aether replied sincerely.
"Tomorrow's the Rite of Descension—the biggest annual ceremony in Liyue. Since you're here, you can't miss it!" Hu Tao added cheerfully.
Mouth stuffed with food, Paimon mumbled enthusiastically, "We're here precisely for the Rite! Wonder if we'll get to see Rex Lapis himself tomorrow."
"As long as you don't miss the time, you'll definitely see our Lord of Geo. Though speaking with him directly might be tricky."
Dinner ended happily, and Paimon floated out of Wanmin Restaurant rubbing her rounded belly contentedly.
"I'm stuffed... Liyue's food is incredible."
Hu Tao nodded proudly. "When visiting Liyue, good food is an absolute must!"
"Do you have somewhere to stay tonight? If not, you could spend the night at our funeral parlor!"
"Ah…" Aether exchanged a hesitant glance with Paimon.
Initially, they'd planned on freeloading at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, but after seeing the place, neither was very keen. Sleeping there felt like inviting nightmares.
Spotting their reluctance, Jiang Bai whispered teasingly, "Don't tell me you guys are scared?"
Paimon uncharacteristically didn't protest.
"We've actually booked a room at an inn," Aether lied smoothly.
Hu Tao didn't push the matter. "Then let's meet here at nine tomorrow morning, and we'll head up to Yujing Terrace together."
"See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow."
They parted ways, Hu Tao strolling leisurely toward the funeral parlor, hands clasped behind her head.
Jiang Bai walked alongside her. "Director, what do you think of Aether?"
"In what way?" she asked casually.
"Looks, personality, ability?"
Hu Tao gave him a strange look. "Apart from looks, how would I know any of those things after just one meeting?"
"Just curious."
"Well, he's alright-looking, but this director doesn't judge people by appearances."
"Then Director, how about Chongyun and Xingqiu?"
Her expression turned even odder. "Why do you want to know that?"
"I'm just curious what you think of them."
"They're alright!" Hu Tao offered a safe, generic answer.
"What about Adeptus Xiao?"
"The Vigilant Yaksha has an extraordinary presence, clearly not a mortal."
"Then... what about me?" Jiang Bai brazenly leaned in close, presenting his face for her inspection.
Caught off guard by their sudden proximity, Hu Tao felt her heartbeat stutter. Flustered, she quickly pushed his face away without answering.
"Just talk if you're going to talk—why are you getting so close?!"